Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE-SPECT'A-BLE, a. [Fr.; It. rispettabile; Sp. respetable.]

1. Possessing the worth or qualities which deserve or command respect; worthy of esteem and honor; as, a respectable citizen; respectable company. No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected, without being truly respectable. – Federalist, Madison.
2. In popular language, this word is much used to express what is moderate in degree of excellence or in number, but not despicable. We say, a respectable discourse or performance, a respectable audience, a respectable number of citizens convened.